This type of key has applications. All about wrenches - types and classification

Everything about wrenches– types and classification

A wrench is a seemingly simple tool that you can’t say much about. However, as it turned out, this is surprising a simple tool a lot can be said. In this article we will try to tell you everything related to wrenches - their types, purpose, what they are made of, etc., where they may somehow appear.

Main types of wrenches

So, let's start with the most important thing - the types of wrenches that exist today. So, until recently there were only 3-4 types of keys, but today, their number has increased slightly due to a slight “modernization”. Well, wrenches have the following types:

Open end wrenches;

Box spanners;

Combination wrenches;

Adjustable wrenches.

Well, let's look at all types of wrenches, in order. As you can see, the topic for discussion is very, very large.

Open-end wrenches

Perhaps the most common type of wrench, which has become a kind of symbol of this tool. So, open-end wrenches have existed, perhaps, since the time when the first nuts and bolts appeared. The difference between these keys is that the axes of the heads of such keys are, as a rule, deviated by 15°. Previously, the shape of the horns had a familiar shape and was made in accordance with a certain GOST. However, recently, adjustments have been made to open-end wrenches - in particular, special recesses have appeared on the horns, which allow the nut to be fixed more rigidly, and therefore the possibility of tearing off the edges of the nut or bolt head is practically eliminated. In addition, the second adjustment was the shortening of one horn, which allows you to quickly move the wrench from one nut to another.

Also, it is worth noting that open-end wrenches can be double-sided or single-sided. Actually, they can be distinguished quite simply - on a one-sided one, the horns are present only on one side, on a double-horned one, on both sides.

Spanners

Let’s immediately make a reservation that a spanner wrench, just like an open-end wrench, can be single-sided or double-sided. The difference between this key lies in something else - namely, in the shape of the key head itself. If in the previous case the wrench had horns, between which nuts and bolts are fixed, then in this case, instead of horns we have certain “rings”, inside of which the shape of a hexagon is notched, which completely repeats the shape of the head of the nut or bolt. According to the size of the product that needs to be unscrewed or tightened, the appropriate key is selected. The advantage of this type of wrench is that in this case the possibility of tearing off the edges of the part is practically eliminated, since the head is clamped even more tightly than in a situation with a conventional open-end wrench.

The downside to the box wrench is one detail to consider when working with nuts. So, you can use a spanner only if there is free access to the nut or bolt. That is, in some situations, the nut may be closed with a sleeve, or any other object. Then, you can use either the open-end wrench given above or the adjustable wrench, which we will describe below.

Socket wrenches

No, you cannot unscrew the nuts without free access using this wrench. In fact, a socket wrench will also not be able to unscrew a nut that does not have easy access. In general, a socket wrench is designed to remove nuts and bolts, and it completely covers the nut while working. Thus, adhesion occurs on all its faces. In a socket wrench, the head can have either 6 or 12 edges, and in general, this tool has several varieties - for example, they come in a “T” or “G” shape, and at the same time, the head and handle will form a single structure. In another case, the heads can be removable.

Another type of socket wrench is a tubular wrench. It is made in the form of a tube, at the end of which there is a hexagon-shaped head, and at the other end there are 2 holes into which the pin is inserted. The pin that is inserted into the key acts as a handle. Also, such a key may not have a head, but simply a hex hole.

adjustable wrench

This is the key that can be used to unscrew a nut or bolt without having free access to it. So, an adjustable wrench is a type of wrench in which the clearance between the arms, or “jaws,” can smoothly change depending on the size of the nut you are working with. The size of the gap between the horns is changed by rotating the worm-type wheel.

This wrench is very good because it can be used to completely customize the size for tightening or unscrewing the nut, so it has a certain “versatility” property. However, it has significant drawbacks - for example, under no circumstances should you hit this key with a hammer. Also, this wrench comes into contact with the nut or bolt on only two of its faces, so the risk of thread stripping increases. And the last drawback is that if used incorrectly or with great force, the “worm” of the key can move apart, slip off the nut, and also break the thread. Therefore, when working with an adjustable wrench, you need to be extremely careful and careful.

Wrench material and sizes

There is little to say regarding the size of wrenches - they are measured in millimeters and range in size from 4 m to 12 mm. This applies to small keys. Then there are medium-sized keys - their size ranges from 12 to 22 mm. And, large size keys - from 22 mm and above.

Much more interesting is the section on the material used to make keys. Thus, almost all keys are made of high-strength carbon alloys, or, as they are also called, tool steel. The highest quality keys are considered to be made of tool steel, which were manufactured at milling machine, and then blued (such keys are black). Also, on modern wrenches you can see the inscription “chrome vanadium”, that is, it is clear that such a wrench is made of chrome vanadium. This alloy is very strong, does not undergo deformation, and has high quality. Therefore, such keys are by no means cheap.

When producing wrenches, the process of making the horns themselves is very important, because you need to make a very precise distance between them in order to get the correct size of the wrench. Moreover, the horns of the wrenches, as a rule, are reinforced with even more high-strength alloys, so sometimes it can happen that the horns of the wrench may be intact, but the handle may be slightly deformed.

Well, now you know almost everything about such a tool as a wrench - about its types and the materials from which it is made. This store of knowledge will be quite enough to choose quality keys in a tool store, without resorting to tips from a consultant, who is often interested in selling them the necessary tool.

Main types of wrenches:

— carob (with an open mouth);
— cap (ring);
— gas;
— end;
- adjustable;
— combined;
- balloon;
— spark plug (for spark plugs);
- hexagonal.

Wrench sizes:

— pharynx (distance between jaws): from 3.2 (mm), to 155 (mm);
— thread size (for nut): from M1.6 to M110;
— handle length: from 150 (mm), to 500 (mm).

Common parameters:

1. Double-sided open-end wrenches have two jaws, and the sizes of the jaws are side by side in the size range, for example, an 8/10 wrench.
2. Ring (spanner) wrenches can have 4, 6 or 12 internal edges.
3. The adjustable wrenches are divided into 6 main numbers.
4. Balloon wrenches are completely similar in parameters to socket wrenches, the only difference is in the shape of the handle.
5. The second name for a gas wrench is a pipe wrench;
6. An open-end wrench on one side and a socket on the other is called a combination wrench.

The size range is presented in the table below.
Dimensions of all types of keys: follow the links in the subsections.

Types of screws

convertible

adjustable

tubular

Compound

Women are not allowed to know what a key is.

Men from such a tip are just a smile: they say, since childhood we already knew that yes, how. But in thinking more deeply about this issue, many will pull their hand to the back of the head because the types of locks are different. This category of tools actually contains many subcategories, and not all of them are familiar with their properties.

Firstly, the key is a tool for wide range applications, including for plumbing, which is used for screwing or unscrewing screws, couplings or walnuts in various connections.

To perform its function, it has a working head, the type and size of which depends on the area of action, as well as a handle, which also includes the function of a handle.

Types of screws can be divided into two subclasses: collected and single (integer).

The former have several parts that facilitate access to the spiral parts, increase its impact (for example, an additional shoulder) or reduce the workload of the worker. The second subtype is the entire subject.

Types of screws

Another classification divides all keys into adjustable keys and fixed head size. The latter include a description of the cap, end, colors and other instruments, the working part of which is monolithic and has dimensions determined by the manufacturer.

They are usually marked in millimeters or inches.

The adjustable key (see photo) allows you to adjust the head size.

Now in more detail about what types of locks are most often found.

It has a U-shaped head and usually covers the screw on three sides.

The device's "horns" (which is where the name comes from, by the way) are angled toward the handle, allowing you to control it better in a small space. The disadvantage of such a tool is the small area of interaction with the matrix or bolt.

All the power is not entirely on the screwdriver, but only on the faces that touch the gun.

Desktop key size. How to choose keys: types and sizes

Because of this, their surface can be quickly removed and the thread breaks, especially if a tool of the wrong size is used.

Locks are often made in combination, i.e. heads different sizes on both sides of the handle.

This saves space in the toolbar.

Folding key

It has a solid head with an internal vertical thread and during operation “rests” on a nut or screw. This format allows the pressure to be applied evenly to all aspects of the object without removing its corners. However, this type of wrench cannot work anywhere but only where there is direct access to the entire screw.

In other cases, a combination instrument is used, which has one flower and the head of a second cap.

Socket wrench

Combination version.

It has a curved handle, usually in the shape of the letter "G", which allows us to first reach into difficult places and secondly have stronger leverage. The most famous representative can be called a car that is used to work with bicycles.

Another key type is tubular, connection.

It is usually a piece of tubing with a curved shape at one end. Typically this is a hexagon. The other end has a hole for inserting a handle. This device works in very narrow spaces where it is impossible to swing a little. The most common example of such an instrument is a candle.

to come back to the beginning

Adjustable key

As mentioned above, its characteristic is the ability to change the width of the work area.

And this is a truly diverse rosemary tool. It has a fairly heavy head, the horn of which is fixed, and the other can change position thanks to the movable cart with which it is connected. Flexible photo key is commonly used in Everyday life, since it replaces a small set of ordinary colors or combinations, but due to its great and relative complexity the device is not always suitable.

Such a tool cannot support work as closely as a conventional carob stone, and furthermore, the mechanism of movement of the horns is eventually worn out and the locking force is further reduced.

Pipe key

The same applies to the adjustable subtype, but it has a lever mechanism to securely secure objects.

It is commonly used to catch and secure pipes, such as in plumbing.

to come back to the beginning

Complex nested keys

These are "locksmith tools" that have multiple parts to advance the job and improve access to various heavy fixtures or tight spots.

Some, such as the Tubular Wrench, may only have one locking handle. Others consist of a movable handle with a “crack,” a specific sized head, and a series of nozzles that can cover a variety of joint configurations and sizes. This composite device already represents a complete set of tools.

All the above-mentioned staples are the type of woman, that is, the ones that cover the affection with your body.

However, the tools are covered: they work with special connections, they are inserted into their grooves (splines) and therefore have similarities with other mechanics - screwdrivers.

This is, for example, hexagon.

to come back to the beginning

Wrenches - purpose and types

Home › Articles › Tools and equipment › Wrenches - purpose and types

Spanners - existing species and their purpose, that’s what this article will discuss.

Wrench This is a tool that is necessary in modern life, because quite often we come across fastening elements such as screws, bolts, studs, nuts, etc.

It just so happens that without the right tool work is indispensable. Set of wrenches useful thing when assembling furniture, repairing a bicycle, plumbing or car.

Wrench

In order to use the available tools without problems and competently, you need to know the purpose of each of them.

Learn more about different types of wrenches

adjustable wrench

An important characteristic of an adjustable wrench is the ability to grip various types of fasteners, even non-standard ones.

However, there is a drawback here, namely the low grip reliability. This is due to the occurrence of backlash when adjusting this type of wrench. Because wrench does not allow you to firmly grip the fastener and during operation can unexpectedly break off and damage the edges. This especially applies to the hexagons of rusted nuts, since they require considerable effort when unscrewing.

In order to avoid damaging the edges of the fastening element, it is necessary to use the adjustable wrench with great care, preferably without unnecessary effort.

In addition, in this situation the best option will use other existing types of wrenches that have the right shape and size specifically for this fastener. By using a precise tool, you can adjust the force when unscrewing the fasteners and not worry about damaging the threads of the part and causing injury, which is quite possible when working with an adjustable wrench.

open-end wrench

Rozhkovy wrench It is a handle with two heads on both sides.

The size of the heads differs by about a couple of millimeters. The working part of the open-end wrench firmly grips the parallel edges of the nut or bolt head. In addition, using an open-end wrench, the fasteners can be grabbed from the side. Today, a combination wrench, which is a type of open-end wrench, is considered quite common. In this case, on one side of the handle of the combination wrench there is an open-end wrench, and on the other side of a similar size ring spanner.

Spanners

Thanks to the existing working surface, such keys can tightly and simultaneously grip each face of the hexagon.

During the process of loosening or tightening fasteners, the latter are practically not at risk of damage, even if great forces were applied.

Wrench cap can be of two types, each of them has different shapes the handles are curved and straight, and as for their sizes, they are similar to the sizes of an open-end wrench.

The scope of use of such keys is limited; they are usually used when there is access to fasteners from above.

Socket wrenches

They are also a type of wrench.

Thanks to existing replaceable heads this type keys are becoming increasingly popular today. Like a box wrench, a socket wrench has the ability to firmly and tightly grip all six edges of a nut or bolt at the same time. As a rule, socket wrenches are purchased complete with interchangeable heads, handle extensions, universal joints and other additional accessories.

Buying any wrench or a complete set of such tools, first of all you need to pay attention to the material from which they were made.

The best choice would be a tool made of chrome vanadium steel.

The size of the mouth (holes) of the keys, the end of the keys for products with a cut-out key and the product key sizes are increased, normal and rough.

DIMENSIONS OF READY (HOLES) KEY AND KEY
(GOST 6424-73)

Nominal sizes S, S1, S2, S3	Boundary deviations
key size	key dimensions
which includes S	covered S1	coated S2	which covers S3
keys	products
normal accuracy	serious precision	increased accuracy	normal accuracy	serious precision
2,5 ; 3,0	—	—	-0040	—	—	—	+12:09 +12:03
3,2	+12:08 +0.02	—	-0048	-0,16	+12:12 +0:04
4,0; 4.5; 5,5	+12:12 +0.02
6.0 *	+0,15 +12:03
7,0	-0058	-0,20	+0,15 +12:05
8,0; (9,0)	+0,18 +12:03	-0,36
10,0	+0,19 +0:04	+0,24 +0:04
(11.0)	-0120	-0,24	-0,43	+0,18 +0:06
12,0; 13,0	+0,24 +0:04	+0:30 +0:04
14,0; (15,0); 16	+0,27 +12:05	+0,35 +12:05
17; 18	+0:30 +12:05	+0,40 +12:05	+0,18 +0:06
19; 21; 22; 24	+0,36 +0:06	+0,46 +0:06	-0140	-0,28	-0,52	+0,21 +12:07
27; 30	+0,48 +12:08	+0,58 +12:08	-0,84
32	-12:17	-0,34	-1:00	-1:00	0,25 +12:05
34; 36; 41; 46; 50	+0,60 +12:10	+0,70 +12:10
55; 60; 65; 70	+0,72 +12:12	+0,92 +12:12	-0,20	-0,40	-1:20	-1:20	+0:30 +12:10
75; 80	+0,85 +0,15	+1:15 +0,15
85; 90; 95; 100	—	-0,87	-1:40	-1:40	—
105; 110; 115; 120	+1:00 +0,20	+1:40 +0,20
130	+1:25 +0,25
135	+1:00 +0,20	-1:00	-1,60	-1,60
145; 150	+1:25 +0,25
155; 165; 170; 175; 180	—
185; 200; 210	-1:15	-1,90	-1,90
225	+1:50 +0:30

* Approved for use only on items with a recessed key and on keys at this depth.

How to choose keys: types and sizes

Notes:
1. Dimensions in brackets can be used for finished products.
2. Sizes 17, 19, 22 and 32 mm are not preferred.

LOCATION OF THE RIGHT KEY
(GOST 13682-80)

SAP
key
S, mm

E = K

SAP
key
S, mm

E = K

3,2
4
5
5,5
7
8th place
10
12th place
13
14
17
19
22
24
27

8th place
9
11
12th place
14
17
20
24
26
28
34
36
42
48
52

4
4
4
5
6
7
8th place
10
10
11
13
14
15
16
19

5
5
7
7
8th place
9
11
13
14
15
17
19
24
25
28

14
15
18
20
26
30
36
45
45
48
52
60
72
78
85

10
12th place
14
16
20
24
28
34
34
36
38
45
55
60
65

9
9
10
10
13
15
18
22
23
24
26
30
36
38
42

11
12th place
14
14
16
20
22
26
26
26
30
32
36
40
45

—
—
—
—
—
16
18
20
—
22
26
30
32
36
40

30
32
36
41
46
50
55
60
65
70
75
80
85
90
95

58
62
68
80
90
95
105
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
175

20
22
24
26
30
32
36
38
42
45
48
48
52
58
58

30
32
36
40
45
48
52
55
60
65
70
75
82
88
92

98
100
110
120
140
150
160
170
185
200
210
230
250
260
280

75
80
85
90
105
110
120
130
145
160
170
190
195
200
210

48
50
55
60
68
72
80
85
92
98
105
115
125
130
135

48
52
60
63
70
75
85
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

45
48
52
60
65
70
78
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

in the GOST table up to 225 mm.

Staple size

The distance between the caves in the throat is 3-4 mm, and in other places it is larger. Please note the risks that were originally carried out according to the model. The wire can be drilled directly with a diameter of 18mm. First find the center. If there is no metal for the compass, use it normally. Draw a circle on the cardboard with a circle with a diameter of 18 mm. Shrink the circle.

Attach it to the rounding of the control marks at the bottom of the throat. With a regular needle piercing the center of the jug, mark this center in the throat. Remove the circle and fix the center. Protect the workpiece in the handle and turn the hole on a vertical drilling machine.

You can use drilling for drilling. But then you should use exercises with a diameter of 3-5 mm. Avoid overheating the drill, remove it from the hole together with the drilled 0 drillers and the bottom of the drill in a glass of water “Before drilling the deep throat of the third, to cause a risk in the region of half the diameter of the exercise, take a risk.

When this third risk is suspected, place caves with a drilling diameter of plus 1 mm. The drill bar, strictly perpendicular to the plane of the workpiece, should not touch the control marks. Remove the plug from the vice and place it so that the cut is saw blade for metal blades controlled by drilling holes or hole storage risks. The remaining partitions between the holes are cut with a narrow chisel on a solid steel base (on wires, rails, panels, etc.).

Again in the bag, cut out the hollow flat file ( side surfaces). Use a half round file for the rounded part of the throat. Leave 0.5mm of coating additive throughout. Before applying, you can do without a chisel, drill another hole with a larger diameter, remove the barrier between. In easily spaced holes with a diameter of 3-5 mm.

Move on from the control and the third marking risk that was originally drilled.

After performing the second key spill on the opposite side of the workpiece, having edited the forging or stamping size to 19x22, carefully remove the remaining additive with a 0.5mm finish.

You can check the correctness of the throat using the "while clearing" matrix. Before doing this, check the nut with a brush for parallelism of the faces and the size between them.

The last procedure remains - consolidation. At home, the mushroom button on each side can be heated to gas.

In the case of a classic furnace or heated part of the fire, it is difficult to switch from light red to the bright red color that appears at a temperature of 800-900 ° C, for better heating of a blast furnace or using a special furnace. The key is taken from the bench or wire wound in advance onto the handle and dropped vertically into the water from the sponge on one side of the key. Leave and dip until lips become dull.

Place some sponge in the air. Then dip them in water for perfect cooling. Repeat for the jaws on the opposite side of the key.

During the intermediate cooling sponges in the air, they can be cleared of weight. If you know in advance that you cannot consolidate the lips, make them more massive.

Sometimes the nut and lock on one screw are in such a position that you need a thin-lipped wrench.

Is it possible to make at least a one-way wrench without a key, but if the nut needs to be unwound? Well, let's say, for the anchor that attaches the Elochka table mixer to the washbasin. Without a doubt you can.

You only need to know the size between opposite faces or the length of the faces. For example, the length of the face is equal to half the diameter of the circle that defines the curved part of the throat (Fig. 11a). Mark the markings on the steel surface as described above. Oversized and disposable buttons can even be cut from the plate gas burner without further metal processing.

Hold your hand to handle the key in such a way as to avoid damaging your palm.

There are several types of wrenches. They are used to tightly fasten connections that include a bolt and a nut. They are created from an alloy of chromium and vanadium. To prevent the key from rusting, chrome plating is used.

The first key was created by Solimon Merrico, who patented it back in 1835. There are many types of keys, all of them are very necessary for people for construction and repair work in everyday life.

Wrench assignments

If you carefully look at the types of devices in the photo, you can understand that in addition to the models found in our homes, there are many more variations. They differ from each other not only in form, but also in purpose of use..

For example, a fire hydrant wrench is used for only one purpose. While the rest, say, combined or adjustable tools, can be used for various areas.

Such a variety of devices is necessary to ensure comfort in the work of not only professional specialists, but also in the lives of ordinary citizens.

A properly created tool helps to quickly complete the repair task assigned to a person.

Types of keys

Size is usually indicated by parameters such as the distance between the jaws. In the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th, the nominal size of an instrument was most often determined by following general parameters the carvings he created. In modern practice, there are notations based on the total distance between two planes.

Dimensions should be considered based on indicators such as the jaw (the distance from one jaw to the other), the thread (nut) parameter, and the length of the handle. Next parameter carries a distance from 3.2 mm to 155 mm, the second from M1.6 to M 110; and the third - from 150 millimeters to 500.

Single- and double-sided open-end wrenches

These keys have open ends.. Their opening is U-shaped. Most often they vary in size. These products should be used when working with nuts and bolts that are very difficult to access. They give a lot of space when unscrewing.

Double-sided spanners

The device of the wrapped type has a closed circuit at both ends. The product is most often used for hexagonal nuts or bolts. But in some cases it can be created in the shape of a square. The loops at both ends are equal in size. Products of this type are used in cases where open models cannot perform the task assigned to them.

Combination keys

Combination instruments, as their name suggests, are presented in the form of a combination of a spanner model and an open-end wrench. They have a closed loop at one end and an open loop at the other. The wrench can be used to loosen bolts and nuts and then quickly removes them using the open end.

Combined types of keys are most often used to perform combinations, as a result of which both rings acquire the same diameter.

Adjustable and adjustable wrenches

Such products are presented open type. They are used only at one end. The overall size of the hole was not recorded. It may vary depending on the bolt or nut. But these types of wrenches are almost impossible to use in hard-to-reach areas.

This type of adjustable wrench is the most commonly used today. The adjustable end device differs from the usual one in that the gripping surfaces of the jaws in it are shifted 15 degrees to the side relative to the handle of the device. The modern adjustable socket wrench was created by Johan Peter Johansson.

Now you need to consider how to use the adjustable product:

Decide on the nut or bolt you want to secure.
Open rotary key while turning the screw. Check whether you have opened it well so that the nut can fit completely into it: if not, it should be opened more. Make sure it is open a little more than the size of the nut or bolt itself.
Slide the free part of the tool head onto the nut and hold it in place. Turn the screw mechanism so that it can squeeze the nut tightly.
Turn the device clockwise to tighten the screw more tightly, or counterclockwise to loosen it significantly. Continue turning until the nut is tight or loose enough to remove.
Release the device and loosen the mechanism screw.

End models

It is customary to place the end device completely on the bolt or nut. When this type of wrench is used, it does not need to be completely removed from the head of the nut or bolt after turning. The handles can be removed and reinserted while the socket remains above the bolt.

Adjustable device, main disadvantages:

The relatively large size can become a significant obstacle when working in hard-to-reach places.
The play of the movable jaw does not allow the nut to be tightly compressed; ultimately, with a small force, the wrench smooths out the corners of the nut and breaks off, at which time a person can receive significant injury.
Over time, the movable jaw mechanism wears out greatly, leading to severe backlash.
The low strength index prevents the creation of large and torque.
The need to adjust the position of the movable jaw.

There is only one advantage - the ability to change the distance between the jaws. But even this advantage can be negated with a socket wrench with replaceable or bicycle heads.

Impact wrench

The types and sizes of products can be completely different. The impact type is a special thick, short and stocky device with a block end handle that is specifically designed to work with a hammer, which helps give it more force in the work.

It is most often used with large fasteners, a special nut and a font that have indication marks.

Impact wrenches are very durable, can withstand high strength, which is needed to release large stuck bolts and nuts. They will also help when free space does not allow the use of a large device.

Hex tool

This device has a hexagonal end. The tools are used to unscrew a bolt with a hexagonal recess at the end. The method of doing this is similar to the method of working with a screwdriver. In order to better understand the principle of operation of such products, it is worth studying the types of wrenches, especially increased attention in product photographs.

Illustrative information helps to learn in more detail about the features of any model.

Hexagonal devices can be of two shapes: with L-shaped and T-shaped handles. L-shaped wrenches are created from hexagonal wire, while T-shaped wrenches are considered the same hexagonal wire with a metal or plastic handle attached to a specific end.

Types of keys and their names can also be studied in hardware store . Most of the names of the devices come from their appearance.

Such hexagonal products have a head on a short arm and a hexagonal ball head on a longer arm. They enclose a large contact surface on the head of the screw. This reduces the possibility of excessive wear or rounding of corners in the screw.

The ball on the long arm is needed so that the key can be easily inserted into the head, which will help turn it at a certain angle, this is very important for use in hard-to-reach places.

The round key shafts fit well in the hand and help make work as simple as possible.

Since for such high-quality products it is used stainless steel, then there will definitely be no problems with rust. If you notice it on the surface of the device, then there can only be one reason. This is due to active use device in order to turn screws or bolts of excess steel. The pressure leaves traces or components of another metal on the stainless steel beak and in this case corrosion develops under the influence of oxygen.

Balloon instruments

This type of device is used to loosen and tighten nuts on car wheels. In the United Kingdom and Austria it is widely used as a wheel brace.

Wrenches of this format may have an L-shaped metal rod with an end product on a curved tip and a knee on the other. The gripping tip is used to remove the caps from the wheels, which are secured with tip hooks.

On the market construction tools The Gedore company is especially popular. It creates high-quality products that are actively used by motorists from all over the world. Appearance The first Gedore kits will definitely appeal to every car enthusiast.

Another common species, sometimes called the key spider, is presented as a cross with spaced nests at each of the four ends.

It is best if the bolts (or nuts) are tightened using a torque tool. Such devices are much cheaper. Installing wheels when using them requires more force. Excessive force can make the nut very difficult to remove. In addition, uneven distribution of force between the nuts and the device itself can lead to deformation of the brake rotor if the car has disc brakes.

For this reason, balloon tools are best used only for removing nuts from the tip, and not for tightening them. In practice, this rule is very often not observed even by professional mechanics themselves.

For every auto mechanic or common man, whose profession is inextricably linked with the use large quantity tools, you can buy cutlery in the form of wrenches. They will definitely like such an unusual gift.

Tubular model

The tubular device is represented by a tube, at the ends of which there are hexagons; special holes are made in the tube for a knob (a rod that plays the role of a lever). The size of the hex on the end of one key will vary significantly. Such simple products are sometimes equipped with equipment and some machines, including cars.
In some cases, the manufacturer bends the pipe to create an L-shaped tubular device. They have the same hexagon indicator at the end of one key, and the functionality of the positions is just like that of L-shaped socket devices.
A type of tubular device is considered to be a spark plug (for automobile spark plugs); it has a hexagon on one side.

There may be protruding parts in the pipe cavity threaded connections, for example, strongly protruding parts of a candle.

Products equipped with a ratchet

Saddle and end products can be modified together with a ratchet mechanism (in other words, combined with a ratchet). The main advantage of such a ratchet wrench is that it does not need to be re-thrown. Another important advantage- this is the small angle at which the wrench is turned to screw and unscrew the nut.

Ratchet mechanisms differ significantly from each other, for example, in the number of teeth; if the mechanism has 72 teeth, then 5 degrees are enough to rotate, if there are 50 teeth, then 9 degrees, and so on. The formula for calculation is the angle of 360 degrees divided by the number of teeth. This is very important when doing work in very cramped conditions.

The main disadvantage of the device is the ratchet, which is considered its weak point, as it can easily break under load.

Mikhail Dmitrevsky.

Vladimir Ivanovich Dal in his “ Explanatory dictionary living Great Russian language" gave the definition of a wrench: "A projectile or tool... for screwing out nuts and screws with angular heads..."

The shape of the key handle is determined by the nature of the work that is intended for it.

Standard set combination keys, known to every car enthusiast.

No matter how different adjustable wrenches may look, they have the same capabilities.

Imbus keys.

Radius key.

Of course, a bicycle kit is not complete without wrenches.

Everyone knows what a wrench is. The design of this simple tool couldn’t be simpler. Meanwhile, there are good keys and bad ones. How do they differ and how to take a good tool and abandon an inferior one, what can a good key do and what can’t a bad one do? Do you need a high-quality tool if you have to use it rarely and with long breaks? How much better is an expensive key than its cheap counterpart, and how much more expensive is it? These and many other questions arise before a person who wants to buy an instrument.

Shops selling hand tools, more than enough, they have one thing in common: they will not give you any, absolutely no information on wrenches!

Please note: a set of professional (as the manufacturer calls it, and then the seller) tool can cost 12 or 30 thousand rubles, and it does not come with any instructions or technical data understandable to the buyer. Maybe just a mention of the product’s compliance with ISO, DIN and GOST standards. But there have never been standards in stores. If GOST can still be found, then foreign standards are protected by copyright, and purchasing a thin book of such standards will cost several hundred dollars.

There are very cheap tools that are not intended for sale; they are used to complete assembly kits of machines and mechanisms; the role of a key from such a kit is to screw ten new nuts onto new lubricated bolts, then you can throw it away.

You will have to learn to choose the keys with the greatest chance of a successful result. First, let's think: what do we expect from any key? There are few requirements for it:

Transfer the torque to the bolt or nut as completely as possible;

Longest possible service life;

Maximum convenient access to the nut;

Convenience and safety of use.

Torque

Torque ( torque; torque; torque) - vector physical quantity, equal to the product of the radius vector drawn from the axis of rotation to the point of application of the force and the vector of this force. Characterizes the rotational effect of force on a solid body (Fig. 1).

The moment of force is defined as the product:

where F is the force acting on the body; d - force arm.

The moment of force is measured in newton meters: 1 N.m is the moment of force produced by a force of 1 N on a lever 1 m long. One newton is approximately equal to 0.102 kgf. To create significant torque, it is advisable to have a maximum handle length d, apply maximum force (F) to it - this directly depends on your physical training. In order to transmit the created torque as fully as possible, the key must fit tightly to the nut (or bolt head), not be damaged itself and not damage the nut. To do this, the working surface must have the maximum possible contact with the nut and the maximum hardness of the surfaces interacting with the nut. If the nuts and bolts are not hard enough, they will press grooves into the jaws of the wrench, the actual size of the jaw will increase and very soon your tool will simply begin to slip, crushing the corners of the nuts and wearing out even more. The hardness of the key jaws is standardized.

The deviation in jaw dimensions is also standardized; there is a special table for open-end wrenches permissible deviations. For large keys, the requirements for hardness and accuracy are significantly lower than for small ones. Why? Because large ones have a much larger contact area with the nut. This means that the specific pressure per unit contact area is lower.

Wrenches must be marked and match the size of the nuts and bolt heads. The jaws of the wrenches must be parallel, the working surfaces must not be chipped, and the handles must not have burrs.

The keys must be marked as follows:

Trademark of the manufacturer;

The throat size or diameter of the round spline nuts;

The word “chrome vanadium” or indication of the steel grade on keys made of chrome vanadium steel.

A special coating is usually additionally applied to the surface, which gives the key better anti-corrosion properties and an aesthetic appearance.

Next to each working part there is a digital designation of its dimension (parts number). The number reflects the distance in millimeters between the parallel edges of the hexagon (nut, bolt) for which a particular wrench is intended.

The two most important characteristics of the wrench: the size of the jaw and the hardness of the working surface - can be determined quite accurately by yourself. To do this you will need a caliper and a needle file. With a caliper you can measure the size with an accuracy of 0.05 mm, and then you need to use a needle file to try to sharpen the jaws of the open-end wrench (or the ring of the spanner). If the file slides along the key, then the metal is hard enough; If it removes shavings, then the metal is soft and unsuitable for a key. The problem is that sellers do not like it when they try to sharpen goods that have not yet been purchased.

Ease of use

Very often we only slightly see the nut or bolt head (sometimes we don’t see it, but can only feel it with our finger). It takes a lot of creativity to put the key on and turn it even a little. The master most often has different types of keys, because you never know which one may be needed in each specific case. For successful work you need specialized keys. Let's first find out what they are like, what their advantages and disadvantages are.

Open end wrenches. This wrench allows you to work with nuts and bolts when there is little space above the nut and no space around the nut. It is indispensable when the end of a nut or bolt is inaccessible and the edges can only be approached from the side by sliding the wrench. Disadvantage: small transmitted moment and tendency to slipping and sliding, as well as “licking” of edges. An open-end wrench is also unsuitable for working with recessed nuts.

Combination keys. One side is carob, the other is cap. The cap part can be hexagonal, twenty-four-sided and even thirty-six-sided. This allows you to work with fasteners in small turns, which is especially valuable when there is a lack of space necessary for work. In general, a ring wrench (socket wrench, socket wrench) allows you to transfer much more force to the bolt because it cannot jump off - there is nowhere to go, the jaws of the wrench (like an open-end wrench) cannot straighten and thereby increase the size of the jaw - the system is closed; under heavy loads, the metal of the nut cannot be squeezed out of the contact zone, but its deformation destroys scale and rust on the thread and thus makes it easier to unscrew the connection.

Even if the edges of the fastener are already damaged, the spanner will most likely have enough remaining corners for full work. Socket wrenches are not prone to jumping off and turning; If you let go of the key while working, it most likely will not even fall. When working with fasteners, it is recommended to start unscrewing the tight nut and finally tighten it tightly with a ring wrench. Combination wrenches are designed for this purpose: the nut is moved with a union nut, and then the same wrench works, but with its open-end part.

Split keys. They occupy an intermediate position between carob and cap-on, but closer to cap-on. A split wrench can also be called an open-end wrench with increased coverage. It is used mainly for working with pipelines, where the socket wrench cannot be put on (the pipe is in the way), and the open-end wrench cannot transmit sufficient torque due to the fact that the part being turned out is made of soft material and the edges strive to be rounded. A split wrench covers like a ring wrench, but is put on like an open-end wrench. There are split wrenches in which the female ring can be tightened at the cut site with an additional bolt. In the tightened position, the wrench is no different from the spanner.

Impact socket wrenches. Used for turning tight nuts, where it is undesirable or impossible to use a long lever. Typically, keys of this type have a throat size of 17 and above. Their thick, wide handle is not prone to vibration or bending. The end of the handle is released to the point where, under heavy load, the metal unravels, but does not produce fragments. And yet, just in case, when working with an impact wrench, you need to wear safety glasses or a shield. When struck with a hammer, sparks may be generated; this is worth remembering when working near fire and explosive objects. However, there are spark-proof keys coated with a layer of copper or made not of steel, but of beryllium bronze. A hammer for working with such keys rarely weighs less than 500 g.

Tubular socket wrenches. They are used where the nut is heavily recessed or the end of the bolt rises significantly above the nut. The well-known “candle” key is a typical representative of keys of this type. The torque available with a tubular wrench is small. Thin walls, the ability to work only with a fairly thin wrench - all this is not for tight nuts.

Socket heads. They transmit a lot of momentum and take up little space. There are a great many different specialized heads. There are many associated with them additional accessories, making it easier to access the nut or bolt. The side notch (if there is one) makes it easier to initially install the head on the nut and thread the nut itself. The sizes of socket heads start from fractions of a millimeter and reach huge dimensions. The heads differ in size not only of the throat, but also of the mating tetrahedral socket. The tetrahedrons are as standardized as the shed. Here are the most common sizes: 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 1”. Please note: on sockets with metric or inch size The throat connecting tetrahedrons are marked only in inches.

Hinged wrenches with movable socket head do not require an additional wrench. They are most often used where it is necessary to make many turns, while the key is rotated by the head of the other end, similar to the handle of a meat grinder. The wrench is convenient both for working with recessed fasteners (small torque is achieved) and with accessible fasteners (the knob is long and the torque is maximum). The disadvantages include quite significant dimensions.

Keys with ratchet-reversible mechanism. Allows you to work by moving the tool at a slight angle. You can go from screwing to unscrewing without removing the wrench from the nut. The ratchet wrench allows only small torques.

Adjustable wrench. This is nothing more than a regular open-end wrench with adjustable jaw spacing. One wrench replaces open-end wrenches of several sizes. Added to the disadvantages of an open-end wrench is the non-parallelism of the jaws (there is always significant play in the moving jaw), so the torque of an adjustable wrench is less than that of an open-end wrench. An adjustable wrench is used where you have to work with fasteners of different sizes, access is convenient, and the tightening of the fasteners is not too tight. One adjustable wrench cannot provide the ability to work with fasteners of all sizes, they are very different. Therefore, adjustable wrenches are available in different sizes. The range of sizes available for the key is indicated on the handle.

Gas key- a kind of cross between an open-end wrench and pliers. Does not require a hex nut profile, can work with round surfaces. With force on the handles of the wrench, the pressure of the jaws on the metal and the amount of transmitted torque automatically increase. In this case, unfortunately, the surface at the point of contact of the jaws with the metal can be seriously damaged. The transmitted torque of a gas wrench is less than that of ring wrenches. Gas wrenches are available in different sizes to work with round surfaces(pipes and pipe fittings) of different diameters. Models of gas wrenches are marked with the angle of inclination of their jaws: 45 or 90 degrees. The tool jaws come in different configurations: regular or S-shaped, which allow you to fix the pipe at three points, which reduces the risk of slipping during operation. The wrench number indicates the length of the tool and the specific diameter of the pipes that this wrench can work with. For example, gas wrench No. 1 is intended for pipes with a diameter of 10-36 mm, the length of the wrench is 30 cm. Gas wrench No. 2 clamps well pipes with a diameter of 20-50 mm, the length of the wrench is 40 cm.

Imbus key (hexagon). The previously discussed keys belonged to the group of enclosing keys. Imbus wrenches are male wrenches and fit inside the bolt head; By the way, an imbus wrench only works with bolts. It is impossible to unscrew hexagon socket bolts with any other wrench. Such keys must be especially strong, since the inner edges are loaded much more than the outer ones. For a regular bolt with a head size of 17 mm, the thread has a diameter of 10-12 mm; If the bolt is designed for a 17 mm IMBUS wrench, then its thread diameter will be more than 19 mm, and accordingly the torque will be required almost twice as much.

Radius key used only for radius nuts, for example on a bicycle handlebar. Apart from the radius nuts, no other nuts can be unscrewed. The key acts on one groove of the radius nut, so it transmits a small torque; Fortunately, such nuts are tightened with the same radius wrench, but you can’t tighten them too much.

Special keys. In addition to universal ones, there are keys intended for only one operation.

The spoke wrench is used to adjust the tension of the spokes in the wheels of bicycles, motorcycles, carts and other spoked wheels.

Valve wrench - for working with the inflation valve on rubber boats.

A chain wrench is most often used to loosen and tighten the oil filter on cars.

There are a great many special keys. There are keys for horseshoes, piano tuning, for opening pipe taps, unscrewing barrel caps, and many others that only experts in each field know about.

Additional accessories

The vast majority of devices work with socket heads. Their main purpose is to transmit torque from the knob to the head itself, sometimes at a large angle and over a considerable distance. Do not forget that the fewer transmission elements from the knob to the head, the better. The law “The reliability of a system is determined by its weakest element” also applies here.

Straight extension It can be so short that there is no distance left between the knob and the head, or it can be a good meter in length. It is advisable to have a set of extensions from 5 cm to 1 m at 10 cm intervals. A straight extension is the best choice for loosening and tightening tight nuts and bolts. Extensions of complex shapes should only be used where straight lines cannot be used. The requirements for extension cords are as strict as for wrenches, both in terms of dimensional accuracy and metal quality. Extension sockets are standardized in the same way as socket sockets and are measured in inches.

If it is necessary to transmit torque at an angle, an adapter with a universal joint must be inserted into the system. The angle at which it is still possible to work with one cardan is rarely more than 30 degrees. If there is a need to work at a larger angle, you will have to use two cardans in series, while putting up with a sharp decrease in the transmitted torque. To create a multi-link rotation transmission system, it is necessary that the elements are clearly fixed on their seats, otherwise, before we start turning the nuts, everything will simply fall apart.

An extension with a flexible shaft serves the same purpose as two cardans. It’s easier to work with, but it conveys little momentum. Where the extensions meet, they often have a spring-loaded ball that fits into a recess inside the head socket. This design makes it easy to put on and remove the head without the risk of it accidentally coming off.

Vorotok- a device for creating torque, which will then be transmitted to a wrench, most often a socket head or a tubular wrench. In its action it is a typical lever. The longer and stronger the crank, the greater the torque that can be created with its help. The simplest wrench can be considered a straight or bent pin, one end of which has the shape of a tetrahedron of the same size as the head socket. More complex wrenches are equipped with a ratcheting mechanism, which allows you to loosen and tighten bolts without removing the key from the fastener, and work small angles turn. The design of the ratchet mechanism is the same as that of wrenches with a ratchet-reversible mechanism, but is usually much stronger and more reliable.

It is especially worth talking about torque wrenches. With their help, the torque transmitted to the key is measured (in technical specifications This value is called the “tightening torque of threaded connections”). Many bolts must be tightened with a strictly defined force; the reliability of the mechanisms will depend on this. It is impossible to achieve the correct tightening torque by eye.

Some from personal experience

All sorts of multi-grip wrenches, capable of working with nuts of different sizes even without reconfiguration, most often gather dust in the workshop without use. The speed of operation with multi-grip wrenches is not at all compensated by its poor quality, and what’s the rush? Repair is not a conveyor belt!

I would really like the instrument to look beautiful. But there are some pitfalls here too. Keys coated with chrome or nickel look good at first, but then the coating often peels off, and chrome that has fallen off the working surfaces increases the size of the jaw and reduces the transmitted torque. But the key with a matte surface, achieved final grinding, will not slip out of your hands, and does not lose its presentation.

Often, rubber grips are placed on the handles of the instrument “to prevent it from slipping.” Most often, oil gradually penetrates between the metal and rubber, and at the most necessary moment the rubber will jump off the key, and before that, interacting with gasoline and oil, it will take on an extremely sloppy appearance. If the handle has a convenient shape and notch, then no rubber is required.

It's tempting to buy a large set of keys in a large case, but this solution also has disadvantages. When working, it is quite difficult for a box measuring 60x60 cm to find a place, and in each individual case you most often have to use only a pair of keys from the 60 items presented in the set. Maybe it's better to have five small sets instead of one big one? We need open-end wrenches, we take them, and we don’t touch the rest - socket wrenches, screwdrivers, wire cutters, etc.

It is advisable to work with keys in cotton gloves: this will save you from minor cuts, scratches and burns, not to mention the fact that it will be easier to wash your hands.

No matter how good the key is, it needs help. If you sprinkle penetrating lubricant like WD-40 on the thread or under the nut (wherever you can), then after ten minutes you won’t even have to strain much. It would seem that the hopeless nut will come off almost without resistance. If there is no special product, diesel fuel, vinegar, kerosene, and brake fluid will do.

To make it easier to unscrew the fasteners later, before screwing it is advisable to apply Movil to the threads (more often used for anti-corrosion protection of car thresholds): it seals the threads and prevents them from unscrewing due to vibration. It is helpful to coat the threads with a small amount of graphite or graphite lubricant. But litol or solid oil should not be used, they do not protect against water and “burn” over time.

– this is the main working tool of an equipment repairman, car mechanic, plumber and any other specialist in almost all areas of activity related to the repair and operation of machinery and equipment. Many types of wrenches are useful to have at home for minor home repairs, while others are more specialized. Let's consider the features of the main types of keys used in modern industry.

Open-end wrenches

Let's start with the most commonly used open-end wrenches or, according to GOST, open-end wrenches. They are an open key with a standard metric (usually) size between the jaws, shaped like horns. For ease of operation, the longitudinal axes of the head and handle are at an angle of 15°, but there are other options. The key is designated by the size of the distance between the jaws in mm. For example - 9,18, 22, etc. There are single- and double-sided open-end wrenches. In the first case, the key has one head and a handle. Double-sided ones have two heads at 2 ends of the handle and different, similar sizes in a row, for example - 22/24, 10/12, etc.

spanners

Box wrenches, also called ring wrenches. These types of wrenches, photos of which are presented below, do not have the main disadvantage of open-end wrenches - small contact zones. The head has contact with the entire nut, the wrench is smaller than a similar open-end wrench and, accordingly, it is more convenient to use and transport. The key profile can have 6 or 12 edges. The latter is more convenient due to a smaller rotation angle for work - 30° instead of 60° for a hexagonal one. The spanner can be flat, have a bent head (15°) or a bend.

Combination keys

Combination wrenches are usually produced in double-sided open-end and cap versions. These types of wrenches are among the most popular due to the fact that the user has the opportunity to use universal tool devoid of the shortcomings of each of them separately. There are other options for combination wrenches, for example, open-end-socket, but by default, open-end-socket is considered combined.

Adjustable wrenches

An adjustable wrench, or an open-end wrench with a variable distance between the jaws, has the ability to adjust the working size depending on the size of the nut. Convenient to use due to its versatility and the ability to not carry a whole set of open-end wrenches. But it also has some disadvantages, in particular the relatively large size of the head. More suitable for everyday use or for low-intensity professional activities.

Pipe wrenches

Pipe wrenches (gas, plumbing) are widely used for plumbing work, laying and repair engineering communications. main feature design is the adjustable movement of the lower jaw to the exact size of the part. Thanks to special notches, the pipe wrench can be used to work with round parts, such as pipes.

Balloon keys

Balloon wrenches are included in the kit of any car enthusiast and professional and are intended for changing wheels and other work. They are a socket wrench with an extended handle and a mounting blade at the end. The most popular are wheel wrenches with a cross-shaped handle, each end of which is equipped with a separate head.

Hex keys

Unlike all the above types, hex keys are designed for nuts with internal edges, for example confirmats (furniture self-tapping screws). They are a steel hexagonal rod with a bend for convenient work. Sizes range from 1.5 to 24 mm, sold both individually and in sets.

Of course, these are not all existing types of keys. When choosing a type, take into account the specifics of the work being performed, the requirements for the dimensions of the tool and the size of the gripping head. And be sure to pay attention to the measurement system - inch or metric, especially when choosing an imported tool.

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